Deaflympics: International Games for Deaf Athletes

Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2 Aug 2026

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - About This Section - FAQs - Publications - Subtopics

Synopsis

Learn about the Deaflympics, the IOC-sanctioned international games where deaf athletes compete every four years without the use of sound-based cues or aids.

At a Glance

• 1 - To qualify, athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their better ear.
• 2 - Winter Deaflympics were added in 1949, joining the Summer games that began in Paris in 1924.
• 3 - The logo features twelve rounded rays in four color groups of red, blue, yellow, and green arranged like a pinwheel.
• 4 - Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and similar devices are banned during competition to keep all athletes on an equal level.

Topic Definition

Deaflympics

The Deaflympics are an International Olympic Committee sanctioned event where deaf athletes compete at an elite level, held every four years and organized by the Comite International des Sports des Sourds, known as the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf. What sets these games apart from the Olympics, Paralympics, and Special Olympics is that competitors cannot rely on sound, so starter guns, whistles, and bullhorn commands are replaced with visual cues such as lights and flags. Formerly called the World Games for the Deaf and the International Games for the Deaf, the event traces its roots to the 1924 Paris Silent Games and has grown into separate Summer and Winter competitions that honor the communication needs and social traditions central to deaf sport. Rather than treating deafness as a disability to be corrected on the field, the Deaflympics create a level playing ground by barring hearing aids and cochlear implants during competition.

Overview

What are the Deaflympics?

The Deaflympics (previously called World Games for the Deaf, and International Games for the Deaf) are an International Olympic Committee (IOC)-sanctioned event at which deaf athletes compete at an elite level. However, unlike the athletes in other IOC-sanctioned events (i.e., the Olympics, the Paralympics, and the Special Olympics), the Deaflympians cannot be guided by sounds (i.e., the starter's guns, bullhorn commands or referee whistles). The games have been organized by the Comite International des Sports des Sourds (CISS, "The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf") since the first event.

The Deaflympics are held every 4 years. To date, the Deaflympics have been hosted by 36 cities in 21 countries, but by cities outside Europe on only five occasions (Washington D.C. 1965, Los Angeles 1985, Christchurch 1989, Melbourne 2005 and Taipei 2009). The last summer games were held in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2013, and the next scheduled winter games will be in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia in 2015.

Formal international competition in deaf sport began with the 1924 Paris Silent Games, organized by the Comite International des Sports des Sourds, CISS (The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf). These games evolved into the modern Deaflympics, governed by the CISS. The CISS maintains separate games for deaf athletes based on their numbers, their special communication needs on the sports field, and the social interaction that is a vital part of sports.

The games are built on 80 years of tradition. Organized since 1924 by the Comite International des Sports des Sourds, CISS (The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf), the first Summer Deaflympics were held in Paris. Winter Deaflympics were added in 1949. The Summer and Winter Deaflympics are sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, IOC.

To qualify for the games, athletes must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their "better ear". Hearing aids, cochlear implants and the like are not allowed to be used in competition, to place all athletes on the same level.

During the countdown for the 2009 Taipei event, Jackie Chan, (actor), sung the 2009 Deaflympics theme song "Power in Me" and told the crowd about an accident in Yugoslavia which left him with decreased hearing in one ear. He encouraged everyone to keep trying their best and never to give up to succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Deaflympic athletes know when a race starts

Instead of a starter pistol, officials use visual signals such as flashing lights, flags, or hand cues so that all athletes can begin at the same moment.

Is the Deaflympics part of the Paralympics

No, the Deaflympics is a separate event with its own governing body and history, and it is not held together with the Paralympics.

Why do the Deaflympics have their own games instead of joining the Olympics

Deaf athletes have distinct communication needs on the field and value the social interaction that is central to deaf sport, so a separate competition better serves those needs.

How often are the Deaflympics held

The Deaflympics are held every four years, with separate Summer and Winter editions each following their own four year cycle.

Can an athlete with partial hearing compete in the Deaflympics

Yes, athletes may compete if they have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels in their better ear, but they cannot use hearing devices during events.

What is the CISS in relation to the Deaflympics

The CISS, or Comite International des Sports des Sourds, is the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf and has organized the games since 1924.

Who can attend or watch the Deaflympics

The Deaflympics are open to spectators like other international sporting events, and fans can follow the competitions in the host cities and through media coverage.

Curated and edited by Ian C. Langtree, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Disabled World. This section is maintained by the Disabled World editorial team.

Last updated: 2 Aug 2026